Ignite

by Piper Stone

  “I have a good feeling your trip might be extended, but even so, one night would be fabulous. Just think about it,” Shannon said as she curled her upper lip.

  “I will. Thank you.” She scanned the bar before allowing the words to slip out of her mouth. “Have you seen Stoker anywhere?”

  Shannon scanned the bar. “He was standing right off stage the entire time you were performing. You should have seen the look in his eyes.”

  “Really?”

  “Girl, I’m serious. I haven’t seen that man look at any woman half the way he has with you tonight.”

  “What happened to him? He’s told me part of a story about a friend of his, but I know there’s more.” Jessica noticed the odd look in Shannon’s eyes.

  The expression shifted, her smile returning. “If he told you anything about his past and all the shit he’s had to go through then you are a true angel in disguise. You’re going to have to talk to him about the rest. I won’t betray a confidence.” Shannon groaned when a crashing sound came from the back. “Shit. I gotta run. Business calls. Why don’t you drop by tomorrow for lunch and we can discuss a highlighted event?”

  Jessica was going to push her off but Shannon disappeared into the crowd. She chuckled as she thought about the concept. She knew a few country songs and could certainly turn a couple of her rock songs into a mix with slower tempos.

  You’re going to amount to nothing. Nothing! My little girl is nothing but a whore.

  She shook her head, more determined to regain her confidence. Her daddy wasn’t going to destroy her as he did her mother. There was no way in hell. She moved through the tables and could just make out Stoker when another arm reached out, grabbing and bringing her into the heat of a very male body.

  “Jessica. What a lovely name for a sexy lady.”

  Yanking her arm, she turned, ready to strike. The handsome man wasn’t drunk and by appearances, was a regular guy. “Thank you.”

  “I’m Antonio Giovanni.” He held out his hand. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  “You didn’t. I’m just trying to find someone.” His voice was smooth, the baritone like warm velvet. Attractive, his black eyes and shoulder length shaggy dark hair gave him a bad boy aura.

  “If some man left you here all alone, then he’s a fool. Would you like to have a drink with me?”

  “Don’t you dare!” Stoker interrupted, moving in between them.

  “Stoker. Where did you go?” Annoyed, she sidestepped him. What the hell, was this testosterone week?

  “I was here. We’re going.” Stoker shook his head, his eyes full of anger.

  Jessica could easily read the tension between the two men. “We haven’t had dinner. Let’s stay and enjoy.”

  “No. I’ll make you something at the house,” Stoker stated as he wrapped his arm around her.

  Antonio chuckled and nodded toward her. “By all means, go have dinner. Perhaps you’d like to enjoy dinner at an actual restaurant with me tomorrow night?”

  Stoker stood tall, his expression enraged.

  She placed her hand against his chest. Whatever the issue was between the two, she wasn’t going to allow herself to get in the middle. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m busy tomorrow.”

  Exhaling, Antonio’s eyes shifted toward Stoker. “Of course. Perhaps another time.” After a lingering look, his eyes drifting up and down the length of Jessica, he turned his gaze toward Stoker. “See you around, rookie.”

  When Stoker took a step toward him, she shook her head. “Nice guy. What the hell was that?”

  Stoker grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the front door. “Nothing important.”

  “Oh, come on. You two could have come to blows. Are you going to tell me what is going on?”

  He took long strides, shoving the front door with enough force, the handle hit the exterior with a hard boom. He stormed through the parking lot, yanking his keys from his pocket.

  “Stoker, slow down. Jesus Christ. What are you two fighting about?”

  “Just get in the truck. Okay? Please?” Opening the door, he pointed toward the interior.

  “What if I don’t want to go with you?” Jessica asked, realizing she was pushing his buttons.

  He exhaled and looked toward the sky. When he spoke, his tone had softened. “Just get in. We’ll go to my place and I’ll make you a nice dinner. Okay?”

  She remained exactly where she was.

  “We’ll talk. I promise.” This time he smiled, yet his expression remained furrowed.

  “Okay.” Sure. Whatever. She had to wonder whether Stoker was jealous. No. That couldn’t be the reason he’d almost come to blows with the handsome Italian. Then again, what if?

  The ride bumpy, they both remained quiet as he drove, taking the turns with a sharp curve. She knew he would be silent, bottling up whatever new aspect of life was troubling him. As they cleared the city limits, she leaned back in her seat, enjoying the view of the stars. When she started humming, she was surprised. The tune flowed, words running in her mind. If only she had a guitar in front of her. The thought was perhaps the most comforting she’d had in so long. Coming to Missoula might have been a damn good idea.

  Stoker roared up the driveway, jerking to a halt. When he cut the engine, he shook his head. “I’m sorry you had to witness that. I didn’t mean to upset you. Antonio knows how to bust my balls.”

  “With me?”

  Shrugging, he yanked the keys out of the ignition. “You and because of the smokejumpers.”

  “Why did he call you rookie?”

  He smirked. “That’s for a tall drink and a roaring fire.”

  “Deal.”

  Turning his head, a single, very slight moan eased from his pursed lips.

  She clenched her fist, longing to reach out. Where was this leading? Shivering, she slid out of the truck and walked up the porch steps.

  The moment he closed the front door, he pushed her against the back of it, placing his hands on either side of her.

  Mac greeted them, yelping and whining. The pup only needed a single look from his master to pad over to his dog’s bed.

  “You have him trained,” she whispered, her skin popping with goose bumps.

  “He’s easy to train, unlike women.” Stoker eased closer, his eyes boring into hers.

  “Do I need training?”

  “Very much so.”

  “Discipline?” Jessica was shaking, her nipples pressing into her lace bra. She placed her hands on his chest, kneading it through his thick shirt.

  He lowered his head, breathing across her neck. “Very much so. Regular spankings would do you so much good.”

  “You think so?” She fumbled with the buttons on his shirt, managing to open two. The man was intoxicating. She was breathless, her pussy clenching.

  “Yes. I know so.” He nipped her earlobe. “One. Long. Hard. Whipping.” Licking across her jawline, he ground his hips against hers.

  The friction was electric, sending jolts of current up from her legs into her cunt. “With your hand or a brush?”

  “Nope,” he whispered and bit down on her chin. “With my well. Worn. Belt.”

  Shuddering, she slid her hand into his shirt, massaging his muscles. “Belt?”

  “Yup.” He captured her mouth, sliding his tongue past her lips.

  Moaning into the kiss, she wrapped one arm around his neck, savoring the sweet taste of bourbon.

  He pulled her against him as he rubbed down her back, cupping her buttocks and dragging her onto her toes. The kiss became a passionate roar, their tongues entwining, exploring the dark recesses. His hold was strong, his need evident by his thick shaft pressing into her belly.

  Jessica had never been kissed so passionately. On fire and wet, she wanted nothing more than to have him carry her to his bed and make love until dawn.

  Breaking the kiss, he licked down her neck as he slid his hand under her shirt, cupping and squeezing her breast. Grunting, he lifted her top, exposi
ng her bra, and flicked his finger across her nipple.

  “Oh God.” Closing her eyes, she rubbed down his chest using the flat of her hand. When she reached his crotch, she shuddered and bit her lower lip. The man was hard, thick and she wanted to have his cock in her mouth.

  “Be careful or I’ll fuck you right here.” His voice strangled, he used his teeth to rip aside her bra, exposing her rosy bud. He dragged his tongue around her nipple, the move slow and methodical.

  “I am asking,” she managed as she fumbled to unfasten his belt buckle. When he yanked her top up and over her shoulders, dropping the material to the floor, she dared to look into his lust filled eyes. He was hungry, desperate to have her. She unzipped his jeans and slid her hand into his underwear.

  Stoker tossed his head back as she wrapped her hand around his dick, freeing his shaft and balls. “Sweet Jesus, woman. I want you.”

  “You can have me.” As she stroked his cock, she kissed the underside of his neck, relishing the taste of his skin. Everything about this man was incredible, drawing her into a haze of raging desire.

  He exhaled as he cupped her breasts, pinching her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. “So damn beautiful.”

  Buzz!

  “What the hell?” The sound was shrill.

  “Fuck!” Stoker dropped and shook his head. “Can we continue later?”

  “What’s going on?”

  “A fire. That’s the smoke jumping team. Look, I’m joining them. I need to be there, fighting these fires. I know you can’t understand right now, but this is something I have to do.” He eased her back.

  Jessica nodded. “No, I don’t completely understand, but I respect your choice. Should I go home?”

  “Stay here. Wait for me. I’ll be back, although I don’t know if the mission will last hours or even a day or two. Besides, I think Mac has taken a liking to you.” He took a step back then pulled her forward until their lips touched. This time the kiss was soft, romantic, a promise of so much more.

  “A day or two? Isn’t this dangerous?”

  “As any fire normally is. We’re just cutting off its air supply. Don’t worry, I will return.” He redressed and grabbed his keys. “We’ll have more.”

  When he left, she waited out on the porch, watching him drive away, her hand on Mac’s head. She couldn’t wait to finish what they’d started.

  Garcia had called as Stoker was on his way, explaining the situation while half begging him to join the Jackals. He’d been forced to make his decision. While he hadn’t notified Captain Banyon of his decision, he had no choice but to engage. The fire was another unexpected tree line fire located only two miles from the last scene. Thankfully, the fire had been contained before reaching the mountains. This time was something different.

  Fifteen minutes later he was standing in the hanger. Captain Phillips acknowledged his presence. “Good to have you here,” he said as he came forward. “You know what you’re doing, but it’s been a couple years. We’ll have to fill out paperwork later, but I’m assigning you a partner. This may change in the future. You’ll be with Giovanni.”

  Hearing the asshole’s name made Stoker bristle. He had to set aside his differences or lives could be lost. This was going to be difficult as hell. “Yes, sir.”

  “The ready room is over there. All the gear is in the lockers. Once you’re suited up, we’ll do a buddy check. We’re concerned that this could turn into a crown fire, so time is of the essence.” Captain Phillips pointed toward a bank of doors. “You should find everything you need.”

  “Thank you, sir.” He turned to suit up when the Captain grabbed his arm.

  “I know you were trained in this field, but that was some time ago. You need to be recertified so I’m going out on a limb here. I know your reputation. No shit tonight. Okay? I need you to do this by the books.”

  Stoker nodded, albeit he remained on edge. Tonight, and on this particular mission, he was going to have to prove his worth. “Can do, Captain.”

  “Good man. Good luck and God speed.”

  A crown fire. If the fire was burning hot enough, the blaze would spread continuously through the tops of the trees. This was a dangerous situation and this kind of fire was difficult to fight. Stoker jogged into the locker room, half smiling seeing his name on a locker door. Presumptuous but welcoming.

  “I told them you’d join. Had your name placed there yesterday,” Garcia said as he came into view.

  “You think you know me too well.” He grabbed the special suit and exhaled, fingering the material. The old adrenaline rush kicked in, electrifying his circuits. This was where he was supposed to be. Perhaps the tongue lashing wouldn’t occur after all.

  “You bet I do. Get moving though. We’re leaving in seven minutes.”

  “Got it. Any idea what caused the fire?”

  “Heard from a few callers that there was an explosion of some kind.” Garcia shook his head. “Suspicious if you ask me.”

  “Yeah, especially given its proximity to the last blaze. This is getting out of hand.”

  He nodded and inched closer. “Word isn’t out yet, but I heard that there’s an ongoing investigation, a combined effort between the local Sheriff’s department and the fire investigating team. Even heard they’re considering bringing in the Feds.”

  “No shit?” Stoker slipped into the suit, buckling and fastening with fumbling fingers.

  “Look at you. Acting like a rookie. Let me help you.” Garcia grinned as he finished the remaining fasteners. “There you go. Grab the helmet.”

  Stoker gave him an intentional growl. Yeah, some rookie. He grabbed the helmet, glad to be a part of the team. The old fears would have to wait. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

  “Not so fast. Need to perform a buddy check.” Antonio entered the room, his arms folded and his face showing disdain. “Let’s get your parachute.” He didn’t wait for Stoker to react, grabbing a parachute from the bin next to the lockers. “You know how these work. If your main release doesn’t work. Go to the secondary immediately.”

  Exhaling, Stoker held out his arms and turned in a full circle. He tugged on the chute, checking then securing. He was confident in his abilities. “Good so far, buddy?”

  Antonio walked forward, his footsteps heavy. He patted Stoker down. “Get out to the jump ship. Since we don’t have a full team, we’re only taking one plane today. We’re going to be heavy but from what we’ve learned of the details, there’s little room for maneuvering. Stay by my side at all times no matter what. Do you understand, rookie?”

  “Yes, sir. I completely understand.” Stoker gave him a salute.

  “Un-fucking believable.” Antonio took two steps back.

  “Cut the crap, Stoker. We have to work together,” Garcia advised.

  “Yeah, I know.” Together they jogged out to the plane, the engines already in gear.

  “Stoker, good to have you. I’m Tyler, the spotter, in case you don’t remember.” Grinning, the younger male held out his hand, his smile genuine.

  Stoker shook. “Thanks.” He studied the plane, amazed the battered beauty was still rolling.

  “She takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” Tyler said, seeing Stoker’s face.

  Nodding, Stoker grinned. “Like all of us.”

  “All right jumpers. Time to get on the plane. We have approximately twenty miles to go. The jump spot has already been designated. Giovanni is in charge of this mission. What he says goes. Understood?” Captain Phillips looked in Stoker’s direction.

  “Yes, sir,” the jumpers chimed in together.

  The last on the plane, Stoker felt a sense of pride as well as a bundle of nerves. He never imagined being back on a plane, at least not for fighting fires or potentially saving lives. As he sat down on the hard, wooden bench, his thoughts drifted to Cooper. This mission was for his buddy, a man who deserved a better life.

  No one spoke until the plane was in the air. When they’d reached altitude. Anto
nio stood. “We’re going at this straight and forward. If we’re lucky, we can stop the fire from spreading. You heard the words crown fire. We don’t need that shit right now. We’re going to try and squelch the fire through the use of trenches and cutting off the air supply. We have a single spot to land. When we hit our jump spot, we’ll fan out, but wait until everyone is assembled. You guys know the drill. Hansen is with me today. If there was an explosion which caused the fire, there could be more.”

  “Meaning this could be another case of arson?” Boone asked.

  Antonio shook his head. “We have no idea as of yet. We go in as normal with our initial attack. The local fire crew is on the ground. They’ve contained the surrounding area. We have the head to deal with.”

  They were headed to the hottest and most active part of the fire, exactly what jumpers did. Stoker steadied his nerves as the plane traveled. When they were close, the bay door was opened.

  “Stand ready,” Tyler commanded as he peered out over the edge then checked the instruments. “Damn, the shit is hot.”

  Stoker waited in back of the line but was able to see the fire over Sawyer’s shoulder. “Shit.” The sky was bright orange and even from their distance, he could see the flames licking over the trees. The old unsettled feeling slid into his stomach. He swallowed bile, cognizant Antonio was watching him.

  “Helmets. We have about a minute. Two tops,” Tyler called.

  The jumpers donned their helmets, every man checking their equipment again. While Stoker wasn’t claustrophobic, he had a moment where he had difficulty breathing.

  “You okay, soldier?” Antonio asked as he gripped Stoker’s arm.

  Stoker nodded. The question was meant as a calming factor and nothing more “Ready.”

  “Okay team. We’re a go in five, four, three, two, one. Go!”

  Whoosh!

  The jump out of the plane was both exhilarating as well as terrifying. Stoker always felt alive, akin with nature, when he was free-falling. On this particular jump, he wondered whether he was going into the bowels of hell. Time seemed to move in slow motion as smoke swirled around them, making vision difficult. They all switched on lights as they prepared to land. Axes and other equipment secured for the jump, they were as ready as they could be.